Be Merciful to Me – Reflection on Luke 18:9-14
I look forward to the sacred times when I can voice my serious sins during Reconciliation. With my complete trust in the process, I believe I receive God’s forgiveness. It may sound odd, but I find it far more difficult to confess more minor sins directly to God. A seeker of deep prayer, silent and distant from everything else, I often ask God to be merciful to me, a sinner. I am not truly righteous or humble if I cannot do so. Sometimes, I fail to ask properly in my humanness because I become afraid and aware of the contempt written in my heart. In those times, I must wait to let a readiness transformation occur. Meditating and praying on mistakes I have made are often partially washed away. This is positive to me because of the portion of memory that remains to remind me not to do it again.
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Luke 18:9-14 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 18:9-14 Reflection – Be Merciful to Me a Sinner.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
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*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 18 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Be Merciful to Me
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